Care package ideas

[Lilysaidwhat]

Friends are asking me what to send in care packages once I've returned home. I truly don't know what to tell them - any suggestions beyond puzzle books?

Thanks.

[Snoopy]

My first thought is gift cards to local restaurants that deliver!

[LaurieAnne]

Hi there, that's great to give them ideas because I have a lifetime supply of puzzle books so some guidance for your friends is great! I recommend the following items for the care packages: Lotion (Vasoline Sheer Indulgence is very good), chapstick (I like Berts Bees), Vitamin E oil to put on your incision once it's closed, movies, inspirational short stories or encouraging books (Joel Osteen's 'Your Best Life Now' journal is great! It's really helped me stay positive during this difficult recovery), gripper socks or slippers, non-slip mats for inside the shower.

Also, I recommend purchasing a spine kit which will give you many tools such as a grabber and other things to help you with dressing, bathing, etc. I also purchased a raised toilet seat which is really helpful (of course you will probably get this yourself).

[Singer]

The thing I valued above all else was the delivery of cooked dinners. My husband can sort-of cook in a pinch, but a few friends kept us in meals for a couple of weeks and it was heavenly.

[Elisa]

Definitely pre-made meals such as casseroles, soups, stews etc. that you could pop in your freezer. Also it would be very nice if someone came by and tidied up the house and did a bit of laundry. Those would be tops on my list if I were having surgery. I also really like the idea of gift card for takeout/delivery.

[Lilysaidwhat]

I've moved my maid service from bi-weekly to weekly, and my husband will likely do/torture the laundry.

We don't have a lot of local friends (as in I have exactly 1 who lives within an hour of me) so bringing food over is not going to happen.

[mamandcrm]

If you have a Let's Dish or similar make it-take it franchise near you, friends (or you) can order meals on line based on the monthly menu and have them delivered to pop in your freezer. I have used Let's Dish on occasion (the in-store make your meal, take it home, and freeze it way) and it was very good overall. The delivery costs extra of course but would be worth it for you...

[jeneemohler]

It was easy to cook casseroles before surgery, eat 1/2 and freeze the other 1/2 of it so that I built up dinners. Inexpensive and home made. I also hit up Costco and Trader Joes. Now all my hubby has to do is pop it in the oven. But he has actually cooked every day since I was released. He is such a sweetheart! He goes back to work Monday, so dinners will be handy then.

If you read, short stories are best at first. Lots of books out there with compilations. Barnes and Noble has lots of them in their bargain aisle. It is hard to stay focused on anything too involved at first. Magazines, etc work well.

New music is great- itunes gift certificate or cd's... I have listened to music a LOT. When you are laying down resting, but not necessarily sleepy, it helps make the time go by. Especially if you are a little spacey from pain meds!


How about a pedicure or foot massage gift certificate? It feels so heavenly and is such a treat.

See if your friends can start a movie exchange for you. Each bring a couple movies and exchange them when you've watched them.

Wet wipes for our poor bottoms are much nicer than dry toilet paper. If reaching, due to not being able to bend or twist, is an issue, I have the perfect solution... I won't get into the gory details...ask me if you are needing suggestions.

Those little "Cushie" pillows made of microbeads have been wonderful for propping. Sometimes pillows are just too big and don't squish enough. I use them under my knees, under my thighs to raise my legs a little bit, I let them support my knees so that I can let them splay out a little, under my head to read, I have found so many uses for them. And they are easy to move around with just your foot. Sometimes the pillows are hard to move around without having to actually get up...You will find yourself becoming an expert at finding how to prop to get comfortable!

That's my short list for care packages for now.... Nap time!

[LindaRacine]

Hi Jeanee...

Thanks for the pillow idea. I forgot that I have one, and have been moving from pillow to pillow trying to find the best multipurpose one. The bead pillows are exactly the right choice.

Regards,
Linda

[JenniferG]

I think it'd be nice to have someone do the ironing. My partner happily did the laundry, and kept it up to date, but nothing was ironed. I looked like nobody loved me for weeks.

[jeneemohler]

Linda-

SWEET!!! I count myself worthy of this wonderful world and my place in it when I can help others. Glad I could help. My mom bought me several of the pillows, and I love the little buggers!! I hope you are doing well.... Take care.

[boopy1]

I found having ice packs-the kind that are called bag of peas (CVS has them). and heat packs to put in microwave scented with lavender helped alot. Tha ice helped w/ swelling and the heat helped w/ aches (and just felt good even laying it in your lap) My mom and husband got these for me.
I also had afrind lend me their e-reader that was loaded w/books,I found they are very easy to handle when you are resting laying down.
Good luck
Donna